Complete Poetic Works of Joan F. López Casasnovas Released in Landmark Publication
The literary world celebrates a major milestone with Nova Editorial Moll’s publication of Joan F. López Casasnovas’ complete poetic works. This two-volume collection marks the first comprehensive compilation of the Menorcan poet’s writings, reuniting long-lost published works with previously unpublished material. The release fulfills a longstanding need among Catalan literature scholars and poetry enthusiasts who have awaited access to López Casasnovas’ complete oeuvre.
A Cultural Treasure Restored
The newly available first volume contains the four poetry books López Casasnovas published during his lifetime: Galops i glops (1966), Tiranya al vespre (1984), De sol a sol (1999), and Caragols dels jorns (2000). The second volume, scheduled for release on Sant Jordi Day (April 23), will feature unpublished works and scattered published poems, significantly expanding our understanding of the poet’s creative evolution.
Esteemed poet and Catalan literature professor Pere Rosselló Bover contributes a substantial critical study to the first volume, noting: “López Casasnovas demonstrates extraordinary technical mastery while maintaining deep ethical commitment throughout his work. His poetry balances traditional Menorcan cultural expressions with sophisticated literary sensibilities.”
Rediscovering a Multifaceted Voice
López Casasnovas, who also wrote under the pseudonym Pere Xerxa, displayed remarkable versatility across his career. His 1984 collection Tiranya al vespre showcases both his technical prowess and cultural roots. The work includes twenty meticulously crafted sonnets demonstrating:
- Influences from Ausiàs March and Catalan classics
- Experimental use of Menorcan lexicon and archaic forms
- Intertextual dialogues with contemporaries like J.V. Foix and Carles Riba
From Menorca to the Catalan World
The 1999 collection De sol a sol, originally published by Obra Social de Sa Nostra, represents López Casasnovas’ only work released outside Menorca. In his prologue (included in this edition), the poet described his thematic approach: “Everything inside – deserts and companies, fullness and emptiness, love, pain, reflection and the passage of time… is true. And it isn’t. Like in fairy tales.”
This publication makes accessible works that have been unavailable for decades, particularly significant for:
- Scholars studying 20th century Catalan literature
- Researchers examining Menorca’s cultural legacy
- Contemporary poets exploring traditional forms
Evolution of a Poetic Vision
The collection reveals fascinating artistic development when comparing López Casasnovas’ first and final published works. Both Galops i glops (1966) and Caragols dels jorns (2000) draw inspiration from Sant Joan de Ciutadella festivities, yet showcase dramatically different perspectives separated by 34 years of creative maturation.
Professor Rosselló Bover observes: “The later work demonstrates heightened critical awareness and a profound meditation on temporality, while maintaining the linguistic authenticity that distinguishes his entire corpus.”
This definitive edition not only preserves an important literary legacy but enables new generations to discover one of Catalan poetry’s most distinctive voices. The collection stands as both a scholarly resource and a testament to Nova Editorial Moll’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Source: Menorca.info Cultural Coverage
Images Credit: www.menorca.info